3 keys to the Canes trip to the Saddledome in Calgary

Tonight, the Carolina Hurricanes are in the Scotia Bank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta to play the Flames for the first time in the COVID-19 world. They make this trip having won their first game on this 5-game trip 4-2 in Winnipeg. With the Alberta duo promising to be formidable opponents, Carolina needs a win in this game to ensure a solid record as they head to Edmonton.

Building upon the momentum they earned in the victory in Winnipeg, Carolina will need a few things in this game. Winning here will re-establish the Canes as a Stanley Cup contender. Their aura of invincibility faded when they went through that rough patch. Now, they’ve got two in a row, and beating Calgary would prove this team is for real.

Do not expect a high-scoring game. Calgary is the 2nd best team in the NHL in terms of goals allowed. They will not ship fantastic chances. Carolina is the best team in the NHL in terms of goals against. They don’t play poorly defensively either. Now, I would like to apologize for the agony of the 6-5 game I just jinxed, but nonetheless, it makes sense now.

Carolina’s special teams will need to continue to click as they did in Winnipeg. Great powerplay puck movement, efficient movement on the penalty kill. Make sure that no matter what happens, you’re putting pressure on the Flames and do not let them get settled. This will be a game where the depth is tested, and both teams have top-heavy tendencies.

With two fantastic netminders on show, that will be another story in this game. Carolina’s Dane will face a great offense, and the Canes offense will find a solid opponent at the other end too. This could very easily be a goalie duel with pucks flying at both ends. Whichever goalie is better could decide the game.

Predictions for this game are welcome! There will be a review after. Let’s GO CANES! They’re at the Saddledome for this 9 PM EST start as they’re almost done with the west coast this season. No more long trips out there. This is the last trip, and this is the division leader out there. Beat them and be firm about it. Do not let them have hope at the end of this game.